Everton gave their survival hopes another significant boost on Sunday afternoon but it came at the expense of Chelsea, who were beaten 1-0 by the Toffees at Goodison Park. The Blues appeared to have very little to play for going into the game - although Arsenal's win at West Ham now leaves the Gunners just two points behind them - but it is a result that will still be a disappointment to many supporters.
Richarlison scored the only goal of the game at the start of the second half, capitalising on an uncharacteristic error from Cesar Azpilicueta to score. Chelsea were not short of chances of their own but they found Jordan Pickford in inspired form for Everton.
It was Frank Lampard then who came away with the bragging rights over the man who replaced him at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel. With that in mind, football.london takes a look at how the national media reacted to the result.
READ MORE: What Frank Lampard did to Antonio Rudiger as familiar Chelsea trend continues vs Everton
The Express
"Everton moved within two points of safety with a shock 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. In an incredibly feisty encounter, it was a slip-up from the usually-reliable Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta that cost his side on the day.
"Questions have, understandably, been raised of the attitude of Chelsea of late. It would take a bizarre turn of events for the club to not finish in third place in the league, which has been the case for quite a while now. And although it is unlikely that Tuchel or any of his players will admit it, complacency appears to be creeping into their game. Individual errors have cost the team of late, and they did again against Everton.
"The Blues appear to lack the fight and grit that they have shown previously, and the fact that City and Liverpool have pulled clear of them would certainly be a disappointing justification for that. Tuchel needs to get to the bottom of their mentality woes urgently."
BBC Sport
"Starting the day in the relegation places, five points behind Leeds and Burnley, the hosts were lifted by their fans in their attempt to extend a 68-year stay in the top flight. Everton's aggressive pressing was eventually rewarded a minute after the break when Richarlison dispossessed Cesar Azpilicueta on the edge of the area and scored his ninth goal of the season.
"Chelsea, meanwhile, will rue the fact they could not turn their possession into goals, with their preparations hampered by fireworks being set off during the night outside their hotel. Tuchel said they had not affected his team, but was left to reflect on a defeat that could hamper their chances of finishing third after Arsenal climbed to within three points of Chelsea by beating West Ham."
The Guardian
"Richarlison struck the only goal that condemned Chelsea to a fourth successive Premier League defeat at Goodison Park and left Thomas Tuchel openly worrying about his team’s Champions League qualification prospects.
"Everton were besieged for much of the second half but Jordan Pickford was immense, so too Yerry Mina, as they repelled everything Chelsea threw at them with a spirit of defiance that flowed through the entire club. A Chelsea response was inevitable and Pickford performed heroics to keep them at bay when it came.
"There was a slice of luck, too. The England goalkeeper was beaten by his international colleague Mount when the No 10 struck the inside of one post and then the other with a half‑volley from Havertz’s knock‑down."
Sky Sports
"It was not all plain sailing for Everton and they needed Pickford to make not one, but two stunning saves as he denied Cesar Azpilicuta with a save-of-the-season contender before blocking Antonio Rudiger's goal-bound effort.
"Everton came under late pressure as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser, but the Blues were denied again by Pickford, who kept out Mateo Kovacic's low strike as Lampard's side, urged over the line by the home fans, held on to move two points behind Leeds and Burnley, with a game in hand. Meanwhile, defeat still leaves Chelsea, who stay third, with work to do to wrap up a top-four finish."
